Record Bids for Iconic Firearms
When you hear about some old hardware fetching six figures, it might have you scratching your head. But when it comes to firearms with roots in history and rarity that make collectors salivate, those hefty price tags start to make sense. Morphy’s recent Firearms & Militaria Auction brought out some of the most fascinating pieces to the table, turning heads and opening wallets.
Top Lot: The Swiss Luger Peaks Interest
The star of the show wasn’t some regular steel-and-wood affair; it was the first-ever DWM 1900 Swiss Luger. With a serial number so low it's practically non-existent—01—this piece is linked to Switzerland’s military history under a 610-gun contract dating back to May 1901. This bad boy didn’t just sit pretty. It went for a jaw-dropping $307,500, not without reason, given its pristine condition. Over 97% of its rust blue finish remains intact, something that sets any collector's heart ablaze.
The DWM 1900 Swiss Luger had provenance issues sorted out, being part of both Hank Vissner and Geoff Sturgess’s collections—a small club of historic buffs might I add.
Singer’s Craftsmanship in High Demand
While you might know Singer for its sewing machines, back in the day they had fingers in the firearm pie. One Singer Model 1911A1 .45 ACP, produced as part of a contract in 1940 and one of only 500 ever made, was a showstopper in its own right, fetching $184,500. This was a classic case of rarity marrying condition—near-perfect DuLite finish and superior mechanical status.
- Model: Singer 1911A1 .45 ACP
- Year: 1940
- Number Produced: 500 total units
- Sale Price: $184,500
Other Notable Sales
The auction wasn’t just about pistols. A 1994 Purdey .410 SLE shotgun sold for $150,000. Known for its aesthetic engraving and robust build, it managed to stay within its estimate range, reflecting the ongoing appreciation for fine British craftsmanship in firearms.
Then you’ve got the Colt 1921/28 Navy Thompson machine gun — a name that rings bells and flashes lights in the collector's universe. Expected to cap out at $90K, this piece blew past expectations to rake in $130,380, backed by its superb mechanics and near-excellent condition.
Also flexing its metal was a creative twist on an HK 91A3, reimagined into a 5.56mm HK23E machine gun. Touted for its rarity and immaculate condition, it surpassed its high estimate, realizing $123,000.
Concluding Bang
Furniture ain't the only thing commanding premiere auction spots these days. The insatiable thirst for historical firearms isn't just about the potential monetary appreciation—though that's always a juicy tidbit—but it’s the associations and stories that come with these items. Each firearm is a living slice of time, wrapped in patina and intrigue, and more than enough to pique the interest of those with a keen eye and deep pockets. Looks like Morphy’s had quite the gathering—until the next session, that is.
If you’ve got something hidden away that's gathering dust, you might just want to check what treasures are hiding in plain sight. Morphy's clearly has the expertise to make a simple gun a collector’s must-have piece.
